DJLiquid: as a temporary solution to those of you who already have a mandarin, and can't yet find an lfs or friend with a more established tank to take it to, you can order live pods overnight on ebay, and liveaquaria.com This way you can take the time to find an lfs who will take it off your hands, and allow it to thrive.
This is not meant to be a suggestion for anyone to get a mandarin if your tank does not suit its needs. (That was not directed at anyone in particular, but a general statement to all, including myself)
I get them for my diamond back goby. He loves picking them off the rocks, and I am starting to have a great pod population with the live rock rubble and sponges in my chambers, along with the live rock and chaeto in my tank.